Chico police investigate reports of shooting, but find no evidence

Chico police officer Winston Capucion picks up possible evidence on scene after police responded to the 600 block of West First Avenue to a report of shots fired due to an altercation on Wednesday.(Jason Halley/Staff Photo)

CHICO — A fight with possible shots fired was reported at about 12:20 p.m. Wednesday, but officers were unable to find any evidence of it happening.

The Chico Police Department received numerous 9-1-1 calls of gunshots being heard in the 600 block of West First Avenue and two vehicles fleeing westbound, Sgt. George Laver said. Once officers arrived they began interviewing witnesses and canvassing the area for evidence and the suspect vehicles.

During the investigation, officers pieced together an "incomplete and somewhat confusing account" of what allegedly happened, according to a press release from the Police Department.

Several people reportedly told police two men were in a physical altercation inside a moving black station wagon, similar to a Dodge Magnum, and then parked on the south side of the street, according to police. One of the men began yelling at another person and someone was seen outside a vehicle with a tire iron.

"They (witnesses) then heard a noise consistent with a gunshot," according to a press release from the department.